Immortal inspection: Attacking geniuses and game plans to win week one finals

September 10, 2026 — 3:00am

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And just like that, after seven months of grinding, brutal rugby league, only eight teams are left in the NRL premiership race.

We’ve got nine games left in the season. Best not to dwell on that too long. Not when we’ve got four fascinating finals to look forward to this weekend. Here’s how I see each of them being won and lost, the superstars I’m watching closest and the little details I’m keeping an eye out for as well.

Two attacking geniuses collide, but Murray owns the middle

These sides are attack-minded, which as an old playmaker makes me very, very happy. South Sydney against Newcastle on a dry track at Allianz Stadium should equate to points, points and more points.

And for both teams, it’s all about one man more than any other: Kalyn Ponga.

For South Sydney, it’s how they keep a lid on him. For Newcastle, it’s how they get him one-on-one with Rabbitohs defenders.

I’m worried about the Knights’ middle forwards, they’ve got a really tough job ahead of them given their two best big men this year Jacob Saifiti (suspended) and Trey Mooney (fractured scapula) will both be watching from the sidelines.

Newcastle’s discipline has to be first-class – which means no penalties or cheap field position. If the Rabbitohs get their favourite set plays on, then the Knights are in for a long night.

Time to step up: For Newcastle to keep their season alive, they need a 9/10 or even a 10/10 performance from Ponga. His X-factor and speed on the edges is how they rattle the Rabbitohs’ big names, particularly when he combines with the left-edge strike power of Bradman Best.

Cody Walker holds the key for South Sydney, and in turn, Cameron Murray sets up so much of all their good play with his influence, leg speed and footy smarts in the middle. If he creates room for Cody, watch out, because it brings Latrell Mitchell and friends into the game as well.

What to watch for: Cameron Murray’s late footwork at the line and quick........

© WA Today